There’s plenty to celebrate for the UAE as the nation sends its athletes to the London 2012 Olympics. There are 26 athletes to be exact, which is the largest Emirati contingent to participate in the Games in the country’s 28-year Olympic history.
In Beijing four years ago, Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum etched her name in the history books when she became the first woman from the Gulf to carry a flag at an Olympics opening ceremony and together with Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmad bin Juma Al Maktoum, they paved the way for Emirati women to compete at the global spectacle.
This year, two female athletes earned their place in London with heroic efforts – 17-year-old Khadija Mohammed became the first Emirati female to qualify outright to the Olympics without a wildcard, and is the first weightlifter from the Gulf to compete at the Games. She was soon joined by 1500 runner Betlhem Belayneh, an Addis Ababa-born runner who now represents the UAE.
But while many eyes will be on UAE’s pioneering the young women, the UAE’s trio of qualified shooters, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Sheikh Juma bin Dalmook Al Maktoum and Ras Al Khaimah’s Dhaher Al Aryani, will definitely be the ones to watch in London.
Sheikh Saeed, a veteran in skeet, will have experience on his side as he hopes to grab his first medal, on his fourth trip to the Games. The 36-year-old, who won the World Cup Final in Al Ain late last year, will be joined by Sheikh Juma – a double trap shooter who has benefitted from the wisdom and mentorship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum – the only Emirati who knows what it’s like to win an Olympic medal.
Sheikh Ahmed, who won the double trap gold in Athens 2004, is the coach and mentor of Sheikh Juma, and believes his protégé can target a top-six finish.
Al Aryani will be competing in trap, in his maiden trip to the Games but perhaps has a smaller chance.
The UAE football team, though, arguably will attract more attention. Not only are they first-time qualifiers to the Olympics, but they are drawn against hosts Great Britain, Uruguay and Senegal and will play on the hallowed turf of Wembley and Old Trafford.
These moments are destined to be forever ingrained in Emirati sporting folklore and manager Mahdi Ali’s soldiers will want to do their country proud.
In swimming, there has been a changing of the guard as veteran Obaid Al Jasmi has passed the torch on to the younger Mubarak Salem Al Besher – a 24-year-old breaststroke specialist who will compete in the 100m.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi judoka, Humaid Al Derei, competes in the 66kg class and triple jumper Mohamed Abbas will be fighting for a dream spot in the final of his discipline.
The UAE National Olympic Committee should be proud of achieving a major part of their target that at least 10 qualified athletes will be at London 2012. Surely this will bear fruits for an even larger delegation from the country at Rio 2016.
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
